Helen Marie Dolan, 77, passed away November 21, 2021.
She was born in Joliet, Illinois on January 28, 1944, as a child Helen Marie Cronin loved singing in choir and tap-dancing. She was also considered the best hula-hooper on the block.
After graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1962, she moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University. Her older sister, Mary Ellen, was her roommate and mentor, showing her the ropes of downtown life.
It wasn't wasn't long before Helen met Montana native, Ed Dolan, who swept her off her feet. Helen Marie and Robert Edmund married in June of 1967, the famed summer of love. Ten months later she gave birth to her first child, John Kevin, followed two years later by her beloved daughter, Melissa Marie.
Helen's lifelong passion for psychology included completing a two year certification program in psychoanalysis. She also earned a Masters of Psychology at Antioch University in Seattle, Washington. Uniquely gifted as a therapist, Helen combined intuition, logic, and genuine caring for her clients. Along with her private practice, she worked closely as a therapist with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America. She taught psychology at Seattle Central Community College and later at Harper College in the Chicago area.
In 2008, Helen had an aneurysm and 5 strokes. Her remarkable recovery was the subject of several medical papers. One doctor referred to her as "a miracle." And her single-minded determination to rehabilitate "for my grandchildren" (who weren't yet with us) allowed her to dote on her only grandchild, Daniel Ryan, born in 2010.
The last years of her life were beset by dementia. Although she struggled to communicate and engage with complex ideas, she always recognized her family and loved to socialize with Ed, her husband of 54 years, and their circle of friends. Included in that circle is Helen's trusted caregiver, Mindy Cutshall, who guided the family through this trying time, and simultaneously brought a great deal of joy and love to Helen Marie's daily life.
Helen is survived by her husband, Robert Edmund Dolan, her daughter Melissa Marie Miller (Justin Miller), her son John Kevin Dolan (Mandy Dolan) her grandson, Danny Dolan, her sister Mary Ellen Hynes (John Hynes) and her many nephews, nieces and cousins.
In her final hours, family and friends gathered at her bedside. They spoke with Helen about reuniting with those who passed before her: Mary and Frank, her loving parents; Kate Rose, her cherished niece; Tiger, her adoring dog.
She was held by her husband, son and daughter when she passed at 4:10 PM on Sunday, November 21.
We will forever remember Helen Marie for her kindness, her understanding of the subtleties of the psychological mind, and her enduring commitment to family. It was an honor to know her as a mom, a wife, a grandparent, a sister, a friend, and a life-long fan of chocolate chip mint ice cream. (Some things never get old.)
Most of all, we are eternally grateful for all the love that Helen bestowed upon us during her lifetime. Her legacy lives on since her passing. Helen Marie, this world is a better place because you were in it. We love you! In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Food Pantry at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, by clicking Here .
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 4, 2021 at 3pm. Lakeview Village 14001 W 92nd St Lenexa, KS 66215 (Southridge, Treetop Room, 5th floor)
Memorial Service
Start Date: December 4, 2021, 3:00 pm
End Date: December 4, 2021, 12:00 am
Lakeview Village
9100 Park Street
Lenexa, KS 66215
She was born in Joliet, Illinois on January 28, 1944, as a child Helen Marie Cronin loved singing in choir and tap-dancing. She was also considered the best hula-hooper on the block.
After graduating from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1962, she moved to Chicago to attend Loyola University. Her older sister, Mary Ellen, was her roommate and mentor, showing her the ropes of downtown life.
It wasn't wasn't long before Helen met Montana native, Ed Dolan, who swept her off her feet. Helen Marie and Robert Edmund married in June of 1967, the famed summer of love. Ten months later she gave birth to her first child, John Kevin, followed two years later by her beloved daughter, Melissa Marie.
Helen's lifelong passion for psychology included completing a two year certification program in psychoanalysis. She also earned a Masters of Psychology at Antioch University in Seattle, Washington. Uniquely gifted as a therapist, Helen combined intuition, logic, and genuine caring for her clients. Along with her private practice, she worked closely as a therapist with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of America. She taught psychology at Seattle Central Community College and later at Harper College in the Chicago area.
In 2008, Helen had an aneurysm and 5 strokes. Her remarkable recovery was the subject of several medical papers. One doctor referred to her as "a miracle." And her single-minded determination to rehabilitate "for my grandchildren" (who weren't yet with us) allowed her to dote on her only grandchild, Daniel Ryan, born in 2010.
The last years of her life were beset by dementia. Although she struggled to communicate and engage with complex ideas, she always recognized her family and loved to socialize with Ed, her husband of 54 years, and their circle of friends. Included in that circle is Helen's trusted caregiver, Mindy Cutshall, who guided the family through this trying time, and simultaneously brought a great deal of joy and love to Helen Marie's daily life.
Helen is survived by her husband, Robert Edmund Dolan, her daughter Melissa Marie Miller (Justin Miller), her son John Kevin Dolan (Mandy Dolan) her grandson, Danny Dolan, her sister Mary Ellen Hynes (John Hynes) and her many nephews, nieces and cousins.
In her final hours, family and friends gathered at her bedside. They spoke with Helen about reuniting with those who passed before her: Mary and Frank, her loving parents; Kate Rose, her cherished niece; Tiger, her adoring dog.
She was held by her husband, son and daughter when she passed at 4:10 PM on Sunday, November 21.
We will forever remember Helen Marie for her kindness, her understanding of the subtleties of the psychological mind, and her enduring commitment to family. It was an honor to know her as a mom, a wife, a grandparent, a sister, a friend, and a life-long fan of chocolate chip mint ice cream. (Some things never get old.)
Most of all, we are eternally grateful for all the love that Helen bestowed upon us during her lifetime. Her legacy lives on since her passing. Helen Marie, this world is a better place because you were in it. We love you! In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Food Pantry at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, by clicking Here .
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 4, 2021 at 3pm. Lakeview Village 14001 W 92nd St Lenexa, KS 66215 (Southridge, Treetop Room, 5th floor)
Events
Memorial Service
Start Date: December 4, 2021, 3:00 pm
End Date: December 4, 2021, 12:00 am
Lakeview Village
9100 Park Street
Lenexa, KS 66215
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